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Wildcats snap 3-game losing streak with solid pitching and defense

The UA baseball team finally got what it had been looking for - pitching.

Sophomore ace Ben Diggins allowed two runs and seven hits in eight innings of work as the Wildcats (5-4) defeated New Mexico yesterday afternoon at Sancet Field, 7-3.

"The guys played well," UA head coach Jerry Stitt said. "Benny pitched well. He had plenty of rest and felt great out there."

The Wildcats and Lobos entered the fifth inning with UA leading, 2-0. Catcher Chris Cunnigham singled to lead off the inning and, after Troy Gingrich popped out, was moved to second base when Keoni DeRenne was hit by a pitch.

This brought up junior third baseman Erik Torres with runners on first and second with one out. Torres, with a one-ball, two-strike count, doubled to left field, driving in both runners.

Sophomore Shelley Duncan followed with a two-run home run, giving the UA a 6-0 lead.

According to Stitt, Torres' double was the play of the game.

"Torres had the key hit of the game," Stitt said. "He took the key pitch of the game and hit it well."

For Torres, it was the culmination of three years of work.

"I've just got to stay focused," he said. "That's baseball. I just try to work hard and help out the team."

Prior to this season, Torres and freshman Matt Abram were the leading candidates to start at third base. With the start of the season two weeks ago, Torres was given the job outright.

"Competition is great for everybody," Torres said. "The team is almost too deep. That's why we have such a good program."

The Sunnyside High School graduate has found a home at third base.

"I would just like to go out there and give it 110 percent," he said. "There's a great tradition here. I'm just glad to have an opportunity here."

The Wildcats and Lobos (3-1) return to action today at 3 p.m.